How to get to Hon Tam island from Nha Trang: Easy travel guide

If you’re planning a trip to Nha Trang, you may be wondering how to get to Hon Tam Island in the easiest and most practical way. Located just offshore, Hon Tam Island is one of the closest and most accessible resort islands in Nha Trang Bay. While the journey is straightforward, knowing which pier to use, how boat transfers work, and what costs to expect can help you plan your trip with confidence and avoid unnecessary confusion.

Quick answer – How to get to Hon Tam island?

Hon Tam Island is located in Nha Trang Bay, about 7 kilometers from Nha Trang city center, making it one of the closest islands to the mainland.

Getting to Hon Tam Island is straightforward and involves two main parts of the journey. You first travel by road from your hotel or the city center to Cau Da port in southern Nha Trang, usually near the end of Tran Phu Street. This drive typically takes 10–20 minutes by taxi, Grab, or motorbike. After that, you take a short speedboat ride from the pier to the island, which usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

Thanks to its convenient location and short travel time, Hon Tam Island is easy to reach even for first-time visitors and works well for both half-day and full-day trips from Nha Trang.

Read more: Hon Tam Island: A relaxing island escape in Nha Trang bay

How to get to the Cau Da Port in Nha Trang

For traveling to Hon Tam Island, the most suitable and commonly used departure point is Cau Da Port. This port is the main hub for island transfers in Nha Trang and is where most speedboats to Hon Tam Island depart.

Cau Da Port is located at the southern end of Tran Phu Street, the city’s main beachfront road, in Vinh Nguyen Ward. From most hotels in central Nha Trang or along Tran Phu Beach, getting there is easy and straightforward. You simply follow Tran Phu Street south along the coastline until the road ends near the old Vinpearl cable car station, which is a clear and well-known landmark.

How to get to the Cau Da Port in Nha Trang (Source: Checkin Nha Trang)

The trip to Cau Da Port usually takes 10–20 minutes by taxi or Grab, depending on your hotel’s location and traffic. The roads are wide, flat, and well maintained, so the drive is smooth even during busier hours. Motorbikes can also reach the port easily using the same route.

Because Cau Da Port is well organized and handles most island departures, it’s the best choice for first-time visitors. Facilities, signage, and staff support make the boarding process simple, helping travelers reach Hon Tam Island without confusion or unnecessary detours.

How to get from the pier to Hon Tam Island

Once you arrive at Cau Da Port, the only way to reach Hon Tam Island is by boat. If you’re searching for how to get to Hon Tam Island, this is the key step, choosing the right boat transfer and knowing how to book it.

How to get from the pier to Hon Tam Island (Source: New life travel)

Speedboat transfer

The most popular way to reach Hon Tam Island is by speedboat, mainly because it’s fast and convenient. The ride usually takes around 10–15 minutes, and the sea crossing is often smooth in the morning. This option is ideal if you want to maximize your time on the island and keep the travel part short.

In many cases, speedboat transfers can be arranged as a shared transfer, meaning you may ride with other travelers going to the same destination. This is common during busy periods and helps keep the cost reasonable.

Group/Shared boat transfers 

If you don’t need a private boat, a shared transfer is often the easiest choice. You typically follow a fixed departure schedule and travel together with other guests. This is especially suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want a simple experience without arranging a private boat.

Shared transfers are more likely to be available when you book an all-inclusive ticket package or travel during peak times. If you arrive without booking, availability depends on the day and how busy the port is.

Private boat or private speedboat 

For families or groups who want privacy and a flexible schedule, a private speedboat can be a good option. You can usually choose your own departure time, reduce waiting, and travel more comfortably as a group. This option is also helpful if you have a specific plan for how long you want to stay on the island.

Private transfers generally need to be arranged in advance, especially during weekends, summer months, or holidays when demand is higher.

How to book your transfer

For the easiest experience, it’s best to book in advance, especially if you travel in peak season or want a specific time slot. Booking ahead reduces waiting time at the pier and helps you avoid situations where the next boat is full.

That said, some travelers still book directly at the pier, particularly in low season or on weekdays. If you choose this option, arriving early is important so you can check schedules, confirm availability, and avoid delays. In general, if your trip timing matters or you’re traveling with family, booking ahead is the safer and smoother choice.

How much does it cost to get to Hon Tam Island?

When planning how to get to Hon Tam Island, it’s helpful to understand the full cost breakdown, not just the island ticket. In reality, your total expense includes three main parts: getting to the pier, traveling by boat to the island, and choosing the right island ticket package.

Transportation cost to the departure pier (Nha Trang → Cau Da Port)

The first cost you’ll encounter is getting from your hotel in Nha Trang to Cau Da Port, the main departure point for Hon Tam Island. Since the port is located at the southern end of Tran Phu Street, travel time and cost depend on how far your accommodation is from the city center.

• Taxi or Grab: around 50,000 – 150,000 VND per trip, depending on distance and traffic

• Motorbike taxi: usually cheaper, around 30,000 – 80,000 VND

This land transportation cost is not included in island ticket packages and should be budgeted separately.

Boat transfer cost (Pier → Hon Tam Island)

After reaching the pier, you’ll need a boat to get to Hon Tam Island. In most cases, travelers use speedboats, as they are fast and run frequently throughout the day.

For most visitors, the boat transfer is already included in the island ticket package. However, if you choose a different setup, costs may vary:

Boat transfer cost (Source: Collected)

• Shared speedboat transfer: usually included in standard ticket packages

• Private speedboat (optional): typically ranges from 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND per boat, depending on group size and provider

Private boats are more suitable for families or groups who want flexibility and privacy, while shared boats are the most economical option.

Hon Tam island ticket packages

The largest part of your budget is the Hon Tam Island entrance ticket, which determines what experiences you’ll have on the island. These packages usually combine island access + round-trip boat transfer + selected services.